Best Practices for Recruiting and Retaining Hospitality Talent in a Labor Shortage Market

Best practices for recruiting and retaining hospitality talent in a labor shortage market

Labor shortages have become one of the defining challenges in hospitality. Rising wages, shifting workforce expectations, and intense competition for skilled employees make recruiting and retention harder than ever. For resort owners, the question is clear: how do you build a loyal, long-term team in a market where talent is scarce?

At Brittain Resorts & Hotels (BRH), we’ve learned that success comes from treating recruitment and retention as ongoing strategies, not one-time fixes. Here are six best practices every hospitality operator should prioritize.

Recruit Year-Round, Not Just Seasonally
Too many resorts only hire when demand peaks. A year-round recruitment strategy, from maintaining an active talent pipeline to nurturing relationships with schools and community programs, ensures you’re not scrambling when peak season hits.

Build a Strong Employer Brand
Today’s employees want more than a paycheck. They want purpose, culture, and growth. Properties that clearly communicate their values, career opportunities, and employee success stories attract stronger candidates.

At BRH, we highlight our culture of growth and recognition, positioning ourselves as a place where careers are built, not just jobs.

Streamline the Hiring Process
In a competitive labor market, slow hiring means losing candidates. Leveraging applicant tracking systems, AI resume screening, and structured interview guides helps managers move faster while still finding the right cultural fit.

Invest in Training and Development
Retention begins with growth. Employees who see a future with the company are far less likely to leave. Regular training, mentorship programs, and clear advancement pathways turn frontline staff into long-term team members.

Foster a Culture of Recognition and Belonging
Hospitality is hard work, and recognition goes a long way. From simple thank-you programs to formal employee-of-the-month recognition, showing appreciation builds loyalty. Pair that with a culture of inclusion and respect, and turnover drops significantly.

Offer Flexibility and Benefits That Matter
Today’s workforce values flexibility as much as pay. Creative scheduling, childcare support, commuter benefits, or wellness perks can set your property apart. Even small gestures, like flexible shift swaps, improve morale and retention.

The Bottom Line
In a labor shortage market, recruiting and retention can’t be afterthoughts. They must be core strategies that shape culture, operations, and profitability.

At Brittain Resorts & Hotels, we’ve built a reputation as an employer of choice by combining year-round recruitment, strong training programs, and a culture that values its people. The result is a loyal team that delivers exceptional guest service, and stronger returns for owners.

Want to learn how BRH builds and retains high-performing hospitality teams? Connect with us to explore our people-first management model.

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